The editor:
I am responding to the article “Doctor Disputes Claims” in order to clarify a few important points.
Stroke is the third leading cause of death in U.S. and most individuals have no warning signs prior to the stroke. As the Society for Vascular Surgery states, “Ultrasound vascular screenings have proven to be accurate in detecting vascular disease and individuals 55 years of age or older with cardiovascular risk factors may benefit from preventive screenings for vascular disease.”
While we appreciate the doctor’s right to have an opinion, we should mention that Dr Scott has twice complained to the KY Board of Medical Licensure and twice the Board has ruled against him. While he states there are other doctors who agree with his oppositional stance, we have heard from no other doctors that this is the case. In fact, doctors routinely refer patients to our screenings.
As a specific example of his inaccuracy, Dr. Scott says there is no reason to be screened for Peripheral Arterial Disease. I refer readers to US News and World Report just this last week which had a full article on PAD and the need for baby boomers to identify it early as it is symptomless.
For people without symptoms with vascular disease, insurance doses not provide for preventive screenings (unlike for breast, colon, and prostate cancer – the total of which are responsible for fewer deaths than the atherosclerosis disease for which LLS screens).
Life Line Screening remains committed to providing the residents of Morehead and all of Kentucky with access to quality preventive screenings at affordable price. We urge every individual to share their results with their doctors who can then determine appropriate next steps.
Ken H. Blum, President
Life Line Screening - Kentucky
